Production of Synthetic Fischer-Tropsch Diesel from Renewables: Thermoeconomic and Environmental Analysis

In this study, a novel integrated system for production of advanced synthetic diesel is proposed and analyzed from thermodynamic, economic, and environmental perspectives. This system consists of a solid oxide electrolyzer, entrained gasification, a Fischer Tropsch reactor (FT), and upgrading processes. Eleven different combinations of precursor syngas production through steam and CO, co-electrolysis and biomass gasification are investigated. Results show that an increasing share of produced syngas in the electrolyzer unit results in higher system efficiencies, emission savings, and levelized cost of FT diesel. Moreover, different options of heat and mass :flow recovery are considered. It is concluded that recovery of produced medium pressure steam in the system is highly beneficial and recommended. Besides, it is shown that while oxygen recovery is the best choice of mass recovery, hydrogen recovery for internal use has adverse effect on the system performance.